A scammer convinces you to send the money yourself. Because you approved the transfer, it goes through instantly — and is much harder to get back.
They usually pose as your bank, the police, a courier, a government agency or someone you know, and tell you your money is at risk or a payment is overdue.
How it works
- 01 · Contact A call, WhatsApp or SMS out of the blue
- 02 · Story Your account is linked to a crime, or a parcel is held
- 03 · Pressure Act now, stay on the line, tell no one
- 04 · Payment You transfer to a "safe account" they control
The receiving account is almost always a mule account — rented or recruited — and funds are split and moved on within minutes. See ADV-2026-03.
Red flags
- You're asked to move money to protect it. No bank or agency ever asks this.
- The call is transferred between "officers" from different agencies.
- You're told to stay on the call while you open your banking app.
- The name on the receiving account doesn't match who you think you're paying.
Indicators and controls
Indicators
- First-time payee, high value relative to customer history
- Active voice call during the banking session
- Rapid sequence of transfers draining balances or limits
- Limit increases or new device binding shortly before payment
- Beneficiary account recently opened or with high inbound velocity
Controls to consider
- Dynamic friction and cooling-off on risky first-time payments
- Payee name confirmation shown before authorisation
- Scenario-specific warnings, not generic pop-ups
- Inbound mule detection on the receiving side
- Fast inter-bank fund holding via NSRC
If it happened to you
Call NSRC on 997 and your bank's fraud line now. Then make a police report.
Call 997
See the full first-hour checklist